Derby History Quiz

Though not as well known as the more famous "Leatherman", the man
pictured above was a frequent visitor to Derby known only by the nickname
Johnny O' the Woods. He arrived on the scene about a decade after The
Leatherman. Apparently no one knew
exactly where he would call home, but he showed up on a regular basis and
was noted for the heavy layers of overcoats which embellished his
appearance. Judge Ralph Clark of Ansonia referred to him as one of the "true
knights of the road" while addressing a 1994 meeting of the Derby Historical
Society.

He was actually well known for his travels throughout the Valley and
seems to have enjoyed a bit of notoriety. In fact a trust fund was set up in
his name to take care of him. In several newspaper accounts from 1908, he is
reported living on the streets and in vacant lots - or even spending time in
jail to avoid the cold.

Since this quiz first appeared, Marian
O'Keefewho suggested this quiz and provided the picture has
done more research and has confirmed that
Johnny O' the Woods' real name was John Brennan, and he was born in Ireland
in 1838. According to the 1920 Census Data, he came to the U.S. in 1860. She
also found that he died on April 5, 1922 and is buried in Middletown.
Besides finding his death certificate, she also found a 1986 article in the
defunct "The Valley Drummer" which described him in more detail. In this
account, it was claimed that he was once married to a beautiful girl who was
killed during their honeymoon when she was thrown from a horse drawn
carriage. Supposedly, that is when Johnny took to his wandering ways.

When wandering, he could be seen carrying a cane and wearing from 6 to 12
overcoats. One story says that the cane and extra layers of clothing were to
protect him from children throwing stones at him or dogs for which he had a
great fear. It was said that he was always willing to do the odd job as
payment for the food and simple shelter provided him, and many in the area
were fond of him.

In 1917, he seemed to be failing physically and mentally, and Mayor Mead
of Ansonia was able to get the probate judge to commit him to the state
mental hospital in Middletown where he eventually died in 1922.